Buddha’s Sacred Relics Enshrined at Sherpa Kyidug Monastery in New York

A Historic Religious Ceremony was Successfully Conducted at the Sherpa Kyidug Monastery in Queens, New York City.

The sacred relics of Lord Buddha were officially enshrined within the monastery, symbolizing a renewed strength of faith among Buddhist followers and offering a profound sense of spiritual peace.

Despite the chilly winter weather, a large number of devotees gathered to attend the momentous event. Early in the morning, Buddhist monks performed special prayers and rituals in honor of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma Protectors. From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, devotees had the opportunity to venerate the sacred relics of Buddha.

Lhakpa Rinji Sherpa, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Sherpa Kyidug USA, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to bringing Buddha’s sacred relics to the monastery. He announced that the relics would be made available for public veneration once a year on special occasions. Similarly, Temba Sherpa, President of Sherpa Kyidug USA, highlighted the significance of the event, describing it as a moment of pride for the community. He remarked, “The enshrinement of these sacred relics will help spread Buddha’s timeless teachings not only within the Sherpa community but throughout the United States.”

The sacred relics at Sherpa Kyidug Monastery were originally gifted to the Nepal Buddhist Federation by Thailand’s Dhammakaya Foundation in 2018. On November 12, 2024, during a special ceremony held in Kathmandu, the Nepal Buddhist Federation officially handed over the relics to Sherpa Kyidug’s Cultural and Religious Affairs Coordinator, Ngawang Zimba Sherpa.

The transfer of Buddha’s relics to Sherpa Kyidug USA was made possible through the significant efforts of the Nepal Buddhist Federation’s members, including President Geshe Norbu Tundu Sherpa, Acharya Sarki Sherpa, Engineer Tenzing Sherpa, Nima Tundu Sherpa, and Lhakpa Rinji Sherpa. These relics join a global network of sacred artifacts preserved in various countries, including Nepal, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Japan, Europe, and America. With the addition of Sherpa Kyidug Monastery in New York, the monastery is expected to play a vital role in promoting Buddhism worldwide.

This historic act elevates Nepal’s cultural and spiritual prestige on the global stage while revitalizing Buddha’s teachings of peace and harmony for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The enshrinement also establishes Sherpa Kyidug Monastery as a significant religious landmark, spreading the profound traditions and philosophy of Buddhism to inspire future generations. It represents a critical milestone for the Sherpa and Nepali communities in preserving their cultural and spiritual heritage.

During the event, former Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Pemba Gelgen Sherpa, stated, “The installation of Buddha’s relics at Sherpa Kyidug Monastery in New York is a tremendous privilege and blessing for us. We must preserve these sacred relics and ensure they are accessible to the public during Buddha’s major commemorative days.”

Former General Secretary Ang Tshiring Sherpa added, “This historic step not only deepens our faith but also serves as a crucial link to spreading Buddha’s invaluable teachings across our community and the United States.”

Participant Tsering Lhamu shared her joy, saying, “Venerating Buddha’s sacred relics felt like experiencing the presence of Buddha himself. I am deeply grateful to Sherpa Kyidug for this incredible opportunity.”

Buddha’s relics are revered as a source of sanctity for Buddhist devotees. It is believed that worshiping and venerating these relics brings immense merit. For followers of Buddhism, these relics symbolize Buddha’s direct presence and teachings, inspiring spiritual growth and reinforcing religious faith.

These sacred relics hold immense historical and cultural significance, connecting modern practitioners to the ancient life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Preserved in stupas and monasteries worldwide, they represent the evolution of Buddhism and its cultural spread. The dissemination of relics during Emperor Ashoka’s reign further underscores their historical and spiritual value.